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Tourism in Tajikistan
Area: 143,100 sq km
Population: 7,000,000
Capital: Dushanbe
Major towns/cities: Khujand, Kulob, Qurghonteppa, Istaravshan,
Vahdat.
 Tajikistan
is a newly independent state on the southern tip of Central
Asia. Beautiful and remote, Tajikistan has much to offer to
the mountaineer, the hiker and the independent traveller in
search of remote locations and unusual cultural experience.
There are opportunities for alpine mountaineering, rock climbing,
hiking, horse or camel riding, historical exploration, cultural
experiences or simply relaxing among dramatic mountains and
lakes.
The area of Tajikistan is 143.1 thousand square kms. The altitudes
vary from 300 to 7,495 meters above sea level. The area stretches
WE for 700 km, and NS for 350 km. Tajikistan borders with
Uzbekistan in the north and west, Kyrgyzstan - in the north,
Afghanistan - in the south, China - in the east. In the southeast,
Tajikistan is separated from India and Pakistan by a band
of Afghan area, from 15 to 65 km wide.
Geographically, Tajikistan is generally subdivided into five
natural and geographic zones: Northern Tajikistan, Southwestern
Tajikistan, Central Tajikistan, the Western Pamirs, and the
Eastern Pamirs. These zones differ from each other in climatic
conditions, relief, geological structure, vegetation, animal
world, and anthropogenic load.
The climate of Tajikistan is continental, characterized by
considerable seasonal and daily fluctuations of temperature,
humidity and other meteorological elements. The annual average
sunshine varies from 2,000 to 3,160 hours.
The Pamir Mountains considered the hub of Asia, known locally
as Bomi Dunyo (the Roof of the World), are the range from
which several of Asia's highest mountain ranges radiate, including
the Karakorum and Himalayas to the south, the Hindu Kush to
the west and the Tien Shen to the north, straddling the border
of neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and China. Described as the Roof
of the World, these mountains form one of the most unexplored
regions on earth, which have attracted climbers and hunters
from the former Soviet Union for years.
Here, in a network of high, wide valleys amid mountain peaks
in excess of 23,000ft, is prime hiking territory, populated
by wildlife including Marco Polo sheep, rare snow leopards,
wild boar, ibex and brown bears, amid deep valleys, swift-running
streams and unspoilt mountain meadows.
The Fan Mountains are famous for their fantastic lakes and
peaks and are perfect for trekking, horse trekking or rock
climbing. Little known and rarely visited, these mountains
form part of the Pamir Range tucked away in northwest Tajikistan.
This beautiful wilderness renowned for its high summer pasture
is a haven for the amateur botanist and ornithologist and
offers spectacular vistas of flower-strewn meadows, turquoise
lakes and Snowmelt Rivers with a backdrop of 5000m peaks.
Like many remote areas in Central Asia with a tradition of
warm hospitality, your journey here will likely be punctuated
with pressing invitations from local nomads and herders.
.jpg) The
Muzkol Range - these mountains are considered totally unclimbed
with a number of 4.000m and 5.000 m unnamed peaks of varying
difficulty. Climbing should be adventurous without being extreme,
and there will be opportunity to enjoy some
trekking in stark but beautiful surroundings. There is also
the possibility of encountering wildlife such as Marco Polo
sheep, wild camels and snow leopards.
Lake Sarez, in the heart of the Pamirs, was formed in 1911
when the side of a mountain was dislodged by an earthquake
and fell into the path of a mountain river.
Iskandarkul Lake -Established in 1969. Area 30.0 thousand
ha. Elevations range from 2,000 to 3,500 m. The following
animals are represented here: loach, muddier, green toad,
water snake, Himalayan rock agama, geckos, Central Asian viper,
Levantine viper, wood pigeon, blue hill pigeon, rock pigeon,
and other. The lake is known as the lake of Alexander Macedon)
with alpine meadows, forests, crystal clear water of the lake
and rivers, pure mountainous. On a hiking tour tourists will
have to spend nights in a tent camp or cottages, which are
available at Iskandarkul Lake.
Kara-Kul Lake - in the north of the Pamirs, formed by a meteor
10 million years ago, is 3915m above sea level and hence too
high for any aquatic life.
Tajik National Park -is the largest nature protection area
in Central Asia, with a wide spectrum of mountain and high-mountain
ecosystems. Established in 2002, the park contains 2.6 mills.
ha and includes numerous species of flora and fauna, including
Marco Polo mountain sheep and ibex and snow leopard. It also
contains a number of glaciers, encompasses rather big mid-mountain
and high-mountain territories, which conclude 14 types of
ecosystems and numerous natural monuments as well.
.jpg) "Beshai
palangon" Nature Reserve - spectacular woodlands inhabited
by Bukhoro Deer, pheasant, hyena, riparian and foxes. Established
in 1938. The nature reserve (49, 9 thousand ha) is located
on the south of Tajikistan.
Prevailing landscape is flat delta terrace of Vakhsh River
7 km wide. It includes 10 lakes and bogs with predominance
of tugai forests as well as deserted and foothill ecosystems
of southern Tajikistan and agro-ecosystems.
Romit Reserve - established in 1959, 16,2 thousand ha. It
is situated on the southern slopes of Hisor mountain ridge,
within the Romit gorge. Split rocky landscape with an elevation
from 1200 to 3200 meters above sea level characterizes its
territory. Forested area is less 3 thousand ha. Flora of reservation
includes few rare and endangered species of plants while fauna
is very diverse.
Dashtijum Reserve - established in 1983, area - 19,7 thousand
ha, situated on southern slopes of Khazratishoh mountain ridge.
An original rocky landscape with an elevation from 850 to
2400 meters above sea level characterizes its territory. Forested
area is about 3 thousand ha. Flora includes few rare and endangered
species: Fissidens karataviensis, Ostrowskia magnifica, Iris
darwasica, etc. The largest population of Tajik Markhur Capra
falconry inhabits here. Other fauna includes: Himalayan rock
agama Stelio himalayanus, geckos and snake-eyed skinks Ablepharus,
among many others.
Sari-hîsor Nature Park - established in 1959, since 1979 the
area has been extended to 196 thousand ha. Since, in view
of development of the South-Tajik territorial cattle-breeding
complex the Sari-hosor protected area exists only conditionally.
Average elevation 1400 - 4000 meters above sea level. Primary
goal of protected area - conservation of mid-mountain and
high-mountain ecosystems, especially broad-leaved forests.
Zorkul. Established in 2002. Area 80 thousand ha. Elevations
range from 4,100 to 4,200 m. Primary goal of the protected
area is conservation of habitats of rare and endangered species
of birds such as bar-headed mountain goose Anser indicus,
brown-headed gull Larus brunnicephalus, Himalayan snow cock
Tetraogallus himalayensis, Tibetan snow cock Tetraogallus
tibetanus. Besides, few rare and endangered mammals are protected:
argali Ovis ammon polii, snow leopard Uncia, etc.
Shirkent Natural-Historical Park - Established in 1991, area
- 31, 9 thousand ha. Average elevation 800 - 4500 meters above
sea level. Geological basis of its territory consists of Paleozoic
sedimentary-metamorphic and igneous rocks as well as Carbon
granitites and other rocks. On the territory of the park more
than 30 regular watercourses have been registered and 8 types
of ecosystems have been identified. Shirkent Park is characterized
by the series of 40 unique historical-geological monuments,
including geomorphologic, lithologic, paleontology, tectonic,
hydrologic, glacial and historical monuments. Most important
objects are the three different age places of dinosaur's footprints,
totally more than 400 footprints. The monuments of human history
include more 50 archaeological objects and some monuments
of ethnography with unique natural-recreational resources.
The park provides conditions for organizing tourism-related
activities among which mountaineering tours.
.jpg) Peak
Somoni and Mount Garmo are to the northwest and west respectively
of Lake Kara-Kul. At well over 7000m these two peaks tower
over Tajikistan and the neighbouring Republic of Kyrgyzstan
to the north. Helicopter flights are available for those who
wish to climb.
Yashil-Kul, or Green Lake (3734m). From the end-of-the-world
Tajik settlement of Bulunkul it's a short drive or one-hour
walk to Yashil-Kul. It's a turquoise lake framed by ochre
desert, a couple of sandy beaches and warm springs on the
southern side. A dam is being built at the west end of the
lake. Trekking routes to Sarez Lake start nearby.
Dushanbe - is situated in the center of the Hisor Valley,
800 meters above sea level. It is a young city, and cannot
compare with such ancient Central Asian town as Samarqand
and Bukhoro in age, history or architectural monuments. We
first heard mention of Dushanbe in 1676. At the time it was
a small, poor village on the crossroads of caravan routes
connecting the Hisor Valley with Bukhoro and Samarqand, the
Pamirs and Afghanistan. The Tajik word "Dushanbe"
means Monday. The weekly bazaar was held in the village on
Mondays, and that was what the place came to be called. The
city does have some interesting museums. First of all - the
new National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, second -
Republican History, Regional Studies, and Fine Arts Museum
named after K. Behzod. It's worth seeing a performance at
the Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre since it has the finest
interior in the city. There is a theatre for children in the
capital. It is a Children's Puppet Theatre "Lukhtak".
To be in Dushanbe and not to be in "Rohat" Teahouse
means not to visit the capital of Tajikistan. This famous
teahouse is situated in the center, just near the President
palace.
Khujand - the second largest city in the country, it's one
of Tajikistan's oldest towns. Commanding the entrance to the
Farhgona Valley, Khujand enjoyed great prosperity and its
riches spawned palaces, grand mosques and citadel, before
the Mongols steamrolled the city into oblivion in the early
13th century. In XVIII-XIX centuries Khujand has become one
of the largest cities of Central Asia, in spare not less than
Kokand and Bukhoro. Now city is a large industrial centre
of Tajikistan. Main sights are certainly known Panjshanbe
Bazaar, attracting attention by its multy-colorful, exotic
sounds and odours, variety abundance of fruit and vegetables,
and the architectural complex of mosque and mausoleum of Sheikh
Muslihiddin, which is located here, near to market. Kayrakkum
Reservoir (The Tajik Sea) stretches out the east of city.
The "Sea" was created as a result of damming of
the Syrdaryo River by an earth and concrete dam of the Kayrokum
Hydroelectric Power Station of 130 meters of length. Length
of the reservoir is about 65 km, width is from 8 up to 20
km. Several attractive, sanatoriums, holiday centres and tourist
bases having an appropriate infrastructure are located on
its shores.
Kulob - the on of the largest city of the country. From the
capital of republic in direction to the south-east up to Kulyab
there is about 200 km of an asphalt highway. People lived
at mountains and valleys of modern Kulyab and its vicinity
are mentioned in ancient sources, by antique, Arabian and
Persian authors. In the park there is a two-storied mausoleum
of the writer, philosopher and thinker Mir Said Alii Hamadoni,
who lived in XIV century. 20 km to the west of the town there
is an unique natural monument - Khoja Mumin Salt Mountain,
raising in height over than a kilometre and going into the
entrails of ground almost by 4 km. Having been here many years
ago famous Venetian traveller Marc O'Polo wrote: "Salt
is so much, that it will be enough for whole world up to the
doomsday". "... In Kulyab and Baljuan the silver
works prospers, the cotton and silk fabrics are woven; the
cooper, wooden and clay utensils are manufactured.
Nomads
felted thick felts, weave carpets, palaes, gilems. They also
possess large herds of horses". So the ethnographer,
archaeologist and traveller A. Bobrinsky wrote at the end
of XIX century. On 2006 will be held anniversary of 2700-years
of Kulyab.
Istaravshan is situated 73 km north-west of Tajikistan, near
Khudjand. The town is one of the most ancient urban settlements
in Central Asia, dating back to the first millennium BC. The
recorded history of Istravshan dates back to 6 century BC
when the region was a province of the Persian Empire under
the Achaemenids. From the II-Ist centuries BC to the I-IInd
centuries AD, much of what is now Istravshan was known as
Usturavshana, the capital of which was Bunjikat. It was a
trading center and benefited greatly from its position as
an important staging post on the commercial roads that linked
the civilizations of East and West, through Khudjand, Samarqand,
Bukhara and Ferghana Valley. Modern Istravshan is a town of
craftsmen. Until recently they lived in specific quarters
(guzars) of weavers, potters, bazier, smiths an so on. Wonderful
pieces of carving, remnants of decorative clothes, painting,
pottery, mural paintings, jewelers, embroidery, and pottery
of burnt clay glazed with calligraphy are the evidence of
the high interest people took in art and handicrafts.
Panjikent is a small town, on the banks of the Zeravshan River,
is situated 65 km east of Samarqand. Many archaeologists of
the world aspire to Panjikent, one of the centres of ancient
civilization, a major sogdian city founded in the 5th century.
In the Southern suburbs of modern Pendjikent there is a site
of ancient settlement - ancient Pendjikent. Ancient Penjikent
was a small but rich town of the Soghdians, an Iranian among
the most important people of pre-Islamic Central Asia. The
ethnic and territorial name "Soghd/Soghdian" occurs
in historical sources as early as in Iranian Achaemenid times
(6th century B.C.). In their heartland, the Zarafshan valley,
they founded several city-states, as well as colonies along
the ancient Silk Routes from Eastern Europe (Crimea) to the
Chinese border and Mongolia.
South of Penjikent lie the Marguzar Lakes, a system of seven
lakes of differing colours that change as the light alters.
Sohgian city - flourished during 5th to 8th centuries, very
well preserved, also called "The Central Asia's Pompeii"
(a sumptuous governor's palace, homes, and temples can be
seen here). Once Sogdiana controlled a key section of the
Silk Road.
.jpg) Hisor
Fortress was the central town of Hissar valley, named in manuscripts
as History Shodmon. Hissar Fortress and the town had been
settled from VI BC to mid of XIX. It was the main administrative,
political and economical centre of Hissar valley. The total
area is 28 ha, surrounded by one defensive wall. Fortress-citadel
consists of three parts and is located on the natural hill.
Hissar fortress from the epoch of Timur and Timurids was considered
as the center of Eastern Bukhara, where the representative
of Tsar Dynasty (son or brother of Bukhara Ruler) was in reign.
On the basis of revealed and reconstructed architectural monuments
in 1978, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan
has organized a Hissar historical and cultural preserve. Materials
are kept in the fund of Institute of History at Academy of
Sciences, Republic of Tajikistan and Hissar historical and
cultural preserve.
Hisor Historic and Cultural Reserve, is situated not far from
the capital city, is a fascinating archaeological complex,
which dates back to the XVth century. A number of mosques,
a caravanserai, a mausoleum and a madrase have all been excavated
and are on display.
.jpg) Houlbuk
town IX- XII centuries is located in Kurbon Shahid village
of Vosse region. It consists of citadel, palace of ruler and
the town. The total area is 70 ha. The palaces of ruler, separate
halls are fully excavated. The particular value present the
exit portal- gates of Houlbuk, ganch-chasing thread, which
decorated the walls of the palace, in which geometrical and
flora ornament is blend with Kufic inscription and figures
of lions.
Buddhist monastery Adjina-Teppa V-VIII centuries is located
12 km east of Kurgan-Tube. The fortress is in the form of
a rectangular, with two parts, including the monastery and
the temple. In the temple yard a large cruciform mortar was
located. The building of monastery was erected from the raw
brick and blocks. Arches, cupolas and etc covered the building.
The wall of the temple and halls were decorated by the numerous
sculptures of Buddha and bodhisattvas, among which there was
12 m statue of Buddha laying in Nirvana. The walls of the
corridor were covered by the miniature paintings, reflecting
the sermon of Buddha, surrounded by people and scene of gifters.
Buddhist monastery Vrang, IV-VI-VII centuries. Located on
the rock on the left bank of the Vrang Darya River over the
Vrang village. It has two-stepped mortar, (the third is not
saved). At present on the top of mortar there is quadrangular
house, which functions as ostana (worship of stone); yard,
surrounded by the wall with corner tower. Inside, the premises
for servants and monks are located. Arch premises are cut
on the slopes and terrace on the opposite bank The monastery
is build on Vakhin or Great Buddhist route, which passed via
ancient Vakhan after opening Great Silk Route from east to
west.
"Khoja Mashad" Mausoleum IX-XII centuries. It is
the unique monument of the oriental architecture. It is located
in Saiyod village in Shahritus region. That mausoleum was
built in the X century; originally it had only one central
building. The archaic elliptical, not lancet arches were preserved.
In XI-XII the dense decorative arcade in the facade adjoined
century's new dome-shaped building to the mausoleum, with.
This building was richly decorated by ornamented brickwork
and terracotta fretwork in the style of Ismail Samanid mausoleum.
The dome-shaped structure was connected with the first building
by the portal, with the brick laid arch behind it. In the
corners of the facade there are the towers- guldasta, and
behind the mausoleum there were the vast yards with aivans
and vaulted cells- hudjars. The compound "Khodja Mashhad"
has the most ancient structure among all known madrases.
Mahdudi Azam Mausoleum XI - XVI centuries is located in Hissar
historical cultural preserve. It consists by plan of three
cupola premises, overlooking the sides of the world. It is
constructed of burned bricks on ganch grout. The most ancient
element is small dome space - gurhona in the shape of "chortok"
with four arches. It was constructed in XI century. In XI-
XII, to the south of Gurhona, the Zierathona is added with
the common central axis. In XVI, one more gurhona is constructed,
by plan it is cruciform with the additional portal to the
west. Mausoleum is restored in 1990; It will host a museum
of the history of Islam in Hissar historical cultural conservation.
Mir Said Alii Hamadoni Mausoleum XIV-XVII centuries (Kulyab)
it's a burial place of famous Persian-Tajik scientist, Mir
Said Alii Khamadoni and his successors. He was known as the
author of the books on philosophy, sophism, ethics, and didactics.
Mausoleum has a portal cupola structure with asymmetric plan.
The building is made from the burned brick on glue grout,
and cupolas are made with alabaster grout. Central hall is
covered by twin dome. Mausoleum was renovated several times.
Mirzo Tursunzoda Mausoleum. The monument was created in 1981,
over the grave of the distinguished Tajik writer, Mirzo Tursunzade.
The monument consists of three open books-pylons, decorated
with light marble; personifications clear thoughts and deeds
of the writer. The height of the central pylon is 13.5m, and
two side ones are 12m high. The internal diameter of the tomb
construction is 5.5m. There is a marble bust on the top of
the central pylon. The tracery cupola crowns this vertical
composition.
Ismoili Somoni Monument. A 40-metre high monument built to
the memory of Ismail Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty
in the 10th century. The base contains a permanent exhibition
on the Samanids and is paved in granite slabs. The upper part
of the statue is coated with gold.
Ancient part of Istravshan city - historical monument of culture
of XII - XIX century, it occupies an extensive area surrounded
by 2 rows of high massive walls of 6,4 km. There were 60 mosques,
8 madrases, 7 baths, commercial stores, and workshops.
.jpg) Khujand
fortress - (III century B.C.) it has the form a high hill,
fastened by defensive walls and gates. It existed several
centuries and it was destroyed in the XII century but later
restored.
One of the oldest settlements in Pamir, Khoruhg was originally
a complex of two villages, which, in 1925, became the centre
of the region on the Pamir Highway. Presently it is the capital
of the eastern Tajik region of Gorno-Badakhshan and is a small
one-street town with a museum containing stuffed animals and
a display of photographs of Lenin. Nowadays, city has a population
of 22,000, a number of plants for the production of milk,
meat, and bread and several factories for the manufacture
of shoes, metal goods, building materials, and processed food.
Cultural institutions. By the mid-1980s, more than 1,600 libraries
were operating in Tajikistan. Of particular importance is
the Firdavsi State Library, which houses a significant collection
of Oriental manuscripts.
Among the most notable museums in Tajikistan are the Behzod
Museum of History, Regional Studies, and Art, and the Ethnographic
Museum of the Academy of Sciences, both in Dushanbe. There
are also significant museums of history and regional studies
in several of the republic's cities.
The Soviet era saw the introduction of opera and ballet to
Tajikistan, as well as the organization of Tajik-style song
and dance troupes. Dushanbe opera and Ballet Theater was the
first large public building in the city; its construction
began in 1939. Dushanbe also has theaters devoted to Tajik
and Russian drama, as well as a drama school. There are theaters
for music, musical comedy, and drama in several other Tajik
cities as well.
In Tajikistan, teahouses are centers of hospitality, easily
found near bazaars or by listening for music coming from them
onto the street. People (mostly men) meet there for green
tea, food, conversation, and chess. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
offers dishes from Persia and more than seven other countries
with uncompromising quality. Tea drinkers will appreciate
the generous selection of full-leaf, handpicked teas that
are served in a Chats ford pot. Between the ornate Tajik surroundings
and the tastefully prepared food and drinks, the Boulder Dushanbe
Teahouse is a memorable spot you will want to revisit.
Fine fabrics and carpet making. For the people of the near
and Middle East, carpets, runners, curtains and various types
of cushions essentially took the place of furniture. Carpets
were divided into three types on the basis of the purpose
to which they were put: wall carpets; floor carpets and runners;
and, lastly, the felt rugs, which were placed under the most
richly, decorated carpets.
Carpets of Kayrokum - Carpets and carpet goods from Kayrokum
are sold throughout the world. Widely using modern patterns
and color combinations, Tajik carpet-makers at the same time-keep
a perfect harmony and balance between the form and colors
and it is this combination that makes Kayrokum carpets so
original and elegant.
Embroidered skull caps (tyubeteikas) have always been popular
among the Tajiks. During the Soviet years, they became even
more popular and were manufactured by numerous artels as well
as by individual needle workers. The tyubeteikas for brides
and grooms are especially beautiful. Many Tajiks continue
to wear their traditional tyubeteikas with the rest of their
western-style wardrobe.
Ceiling Painting and Decoration Art. The painted wood ceiling
is an old art among Tajiks (Persians) in Central Asia and
Iran. The masterworks can be seen on beautiful mosques, palaces
and other buildings in Khojand, Samarqand, Bukhoro, Isfahon,
etc.
Costumes. The youth of Tajikistan prefer brighter colors,
the elderly moderate tones, and the old dress in fabrics of
a dark or pure white shade. Although sharp contrast is essential,
the gamut of favored colors is broad, vivid and cheerful,
never garish.
The costumes are richly embroidered in tinsel, silk or wool,
both by hand and by special chain-stitching machines. Although
receding to the outskirts, embroidered garments continue to
be cherished in the southeastern mountain ranges of the Republic.
Men's garments are simple in cut and less varied. Men's undergarments
consist of a shalwar drawn in at the waist and a tunic-like
shirt over which a robe is worn. Men's belts, whether made
of leather or fabric, are ornamented with massive silver buckles.
The manufacture of jewellery, and also armour, constituted
a separate branch of artistic metalwork. Archaeological finds
from excavations in various medieval towns provide evidence
of the level of development of the jeweller's art during the
pre-Mongol period. Entire urban districts have been found
which jewellers and armourers occupied. Women's jewellery,
elements of horses' harnesses and of military equipment were
made of gold, silver, copper, brass and other metals mined
in the mountainous regions, and these might be ornamented
with insets of emerald, turquoise, cornelian, chalcedony,
garnet and crystal.
Musical instruments. A general observation that can be made
about the music of the Pamiris is that they have a strong
predilection for plucked short- and long-necked lutes. Among
the variety of lutes used by them, the most specific to Badakhshon
is the rubobi pomiri, an unfretted three- (double) stringed
short-necked lute, played with a wooden plectrum. Other common
lutes are the tanbur, a seven-stringed lute with a varying
number of sympathetic strings; the setor, which has a fretted
long-necked lute with three melody strings and six or more
sympathetic strings, and imported lutes like the Afghan rubob
and the Azerbaijan tar.
Special Interest
- Alpinism/trekking.
- Kayaking or white water rafting trips - possible for those
who can bring their own rafts.
- Skiing / biking.
- Hunting / safaris.
- Jeep Tours.
Khoja Obi Garm health resort - treatment of cardiovascular
system, respiration organs, gynecological, gastrointestinal
circuit, liver as well as skin diseases and other.
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